Unfortunately, these days football is publicized more through the lifestyles of the players, rather than the sport itself. But with Martin O’Neill’s shock exit from Aston Villa providing the drama days before the English Premier League kicks off this Saturday, we’ll cover the glamour, looking at some of the most fashionable footballers to have graced the game.

David Beckham

When you partner fashion with football, nine times out of ten you’re going to think David Beckham. One of the most famous footballers in the world, Becks is continuously setting trends. Whether it’s smart or casual, Beckham effortlessly effuses contemporary gentry chic. Here we see him in a fitted beige blazer, with black tipped edging. The strong, angular shoulder pads and pointed lapels give the jacket a sharp, smart and masculine quality. With an open crisp white shirt to complement, Becks establishes a casual, but sophisticated image, demonstrating an outfit that oozes confidence and elegance.

David Beckham has always been the ‘look-to’ inspiration for modern men’s hair. Here he is sporting a twenty first century quiff. Short and controlled on the back and sides, his hair is longer on top, allowing it to be styled into an offside quiff. Gently moulded to the right of his head, it is contemporary, yet smart. With a bit of lightly groomed stubble, he is able to pull off the rugged look, without stepping into ‘dishevelled’ territory. A modern family man, Beckham leads the way in current gentleman’s fashion.

Gerard Pique

This Spanish born player is able to pull off modern gentry with ease. Pique’s style is contained and smart, exuding assurance and class. His image has evolved into a status of dashing contemporary gent. Here we see him in matching blazer and waistcoat. The light grey tone and finely patterned check gives the outfit elegance and prestige. With a sharp white shirt and delicately designed cravat, he evokes a style of heritage and status. Like a modern day Dandy, he fuses nineteenth century style with a modern twist, creating a timeless outfit that is au courant.

Pique keeps his hair simple and stylish. With short back and sides, he is in command of his no fuss approach. Controlled and defined, it is effortlessly masculine. Finely groomed, short-length facial hair helps to shape his face to create a strong, yet charming quality that is reminiscent of early twentieth century class. With a look of an elegant and refined modern gent, Pique’s style is the definition of contemporary male gentility.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Over the last few years Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as football’s new internationally acclaimed superstar. The Portuguese player has followed in the footsteps of Beckham by becoming the new model of Armani underwear and continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary male fashion. Although Ronaldo regularly appears immaculate and dapper in his collection of designer suits, we’re going to look at the more casual side of his style. Here we can see him in a simple, deep burgundy/purple tee, with contrasting white collar. Plain and fitted, it is staple item in the increasingly popular modern gent’s style of casual-smart. Complemented with denim jeans, white rimmed aviator sunglasses and a chunky white watch, it gives the outfit a co-ordinated, yet ostentatiously retro feel.

To capitalise on this retro quality to the outfit, Ronaldo has his dark hair slicked back with product. Short on the back and sides, the fringe is swept back. Composed and refined, it is reminiscent of late 70’s glamour, provoking an image of rich and powerful men on their luxury yachts in St. Tropez. Clean shaven, Ronaldo is facial-hair free, exposing his boyishly good looks and reinforcing his clean cut image.

Freddie Ljungberg

After appearing in an advertising campaign for CK underwear, Freddie Ljungberg cemented his place as a style icon in football. The Swedish player is never one to shy away from modern trends, always sustaining a youthful and modish confidence. Double denim is the style tip of the season, and as Ljungberg shows here, it’s not as bad as it sounds. With denim jeans and a denim shirt, he breaks up the outfit with a scoop neck black vest and a black leather biker jacket. Infusing early 90’s denim with a 1960’s rock twist, Ljungberg evokes contemporary cool, without appearing to dress too young. Able to keep a sophisticated dominance, his style is the ideal level of casual for the maturing gent, while continuing to be on trend.

Ljungberg keeps his hair short and simple. Shaved all over, it helps define his chiselled facial features, as well as being the ultimate way to combat a receding hairline. Lightly shaped stubble enhances his jaw as well as reinforcing his rugged but smart image, evoking pure masculine fortitude.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. Music Festival Fashion
2. Gentry essentials: Hats off to the man!
3. Beckham loves Milan

Using bikes, its follows the rules of standard polo, but unlike the traditional prestige and privilege that horse-based polo represents, this variant of the sport has gone rogue. Hugely popular across Western Europe and North America, bike polo (or as it’s known on the streets, hand court bike polo) has become fast-growing underground past-time, quickly emerging as a fully-fledged global sport. With international competitions like the Greif Masters in Germany and the World Championships being held in Berlin next week, it is evident that the sport is gaining serious momentum.

When asked about the future of Bike Polo Jonny Hunter and Kevin Walsh of the League of Bike Polo responded,

“Well, there are definitely some barriers. One is the equipment needs are very individual and specific. The mechanic at your local bike shop isn’t going to know how to work on a polo bike. There have been a couple of bikes manufactured specifically for bike polo—the Fleet Velo Joust and Milwaukee Bike’s Bruiser—but the sales, so far, are low. So I don’t see it becoming commercialized.

On the other hand, we have a major sponsor involved in this tournament [the upcoming North American championship], Trek, and that has been fantastic. We have an organizing body now, and I think that within the community we have enough organizing talent and potential to steer the sport in the direction we, as players and fans, want it to go.”

Although the sport is not as generously funded as other major sports, its growth in popularity is expanding extremely rapidly. Clubs are being formed in almost every continent. Speaking on the expeditious spread of the sport globally, Hunter and Walsh comment;

Walsh: “Three or four new local clubs register every week. We just had Moscow register — and I just looked at their club logo, and it is amazing.”

Hunter: “We had 48 teams playing in the Midwest Championships, 48 teams playing in the Eastern Championships. Internationally, you’re starting to see teams in Latin America — Santiago has a club, Buenos Aires has a club, there’s bike polo in Colombia now. That’s really exciting, because it means you can go anywhere and play. And, obviously, it’s exciting for the future of the competitive game.”

Back here in the UK, the London Bike Polo League was setup in 2008. In the 09/10 season twelve teams managed to play 33 games over the winter months, with BAD Polo winning the league with 47 points. Although the league is small and independently funded, with a rise in bike polo’s international profile, it may not be long before this bastardised event is gracing the Olympic World stage once again.

To read the full interview with Jonny Hunter and Kevin Walsh of the League of Bike Polo, click here.

Written By Lewis Corner

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. The World’s Best: Polo Clubs
2. Under the Hand of God: Maradona the Manager
3. 5 Best: Sport movies by Paolo Cabrelli

Gentry takes a look at the 5 bests Polo Clubs in the world:

GUARDS POLO CLUB
Egham, Surrey, England

A summer playground for the British royals, landed gentry and social set, Guards is the largest polo club in Europe with 10 playing fields, an imposing clubhouse, and fabulous hospitality facilities that swing into action in April and gallop all the way through to mid-September.

It's Wimbledon with horses – champagne, afternoon teas, strawberries and cream, and social climbing.

(http://www.guardspoloclub.com)

EL METEJON POLO CLUB
Cañuelas, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Argentines are passionate about polo, and matches in Argentina are heady mix of top equestrians, fabulous facilities and Latin glamour, attributes personified in to see top player and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras.

Well-heeled fans from Buenos Aires travel forty minutes out of town to this beautiful club, which hosts tournaments from October to December, the highlight being the Argentine Polo Championship in late November.

The adjoining El Metejon Polo Resort, billed as Argentina's first polo hotel, will help soothe aching limbs with its wonderful health club, solarium, swimming pool and 12 elegant suites.

(http://www.elmetejon.com.ar)

THE CHANTILLY POLO CLUB
Aprement, Oise, France

If you're looking for a stylish day out from Paris, the Chantilly Polo Club is a frequent destination for members of Parisian haute société.

From the end of April to the beginning of October, the club opens its doors to members and visitors for an exciting season of tournaments, featuring some of the world's top players, and glittering social events.

Although founded in 1995, the club's spirit harks back to the 1920s when the Rothschild family set up a polo field on a farm in the postcard village of Apremont.

(http://www.poloclubchantilly.com)

NINE DRAGONS HILL POLO CLUB Shanghai, China

Polo has been popular in China since the time of the Tang Dynasty (617 – 908 A.D.), so we had to include Asia’s premier club on our list.

Located on the coast, just over an hour away from central Shanghai , the Nine Dragons Hill Estate also offers a 27 – hole golf course and a marina club. These combine gracefully with private villas and condos, all with views over both the ocean and the green hills from which the resort takes its name.

The Polo Club organises international tournaments from March through to November, inviting the world’s best polo and equestrianism players.

(http://www.ndhpolo.com/en/)

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. Gentry Sport: Hand Court Bike Polo
2. What to see in the world this autumn

Bobsleigh is the sport to follow this year, mainly because it could be our best chance of a gold medal. Fittingly, the sport is thought to have been invented by wealthy English tourists larking about with sledges around St Moritz back in the 1800s. the It’s time for the bob to come home.

Anyone indulging in winter pursuits of their own should be mindful of the need for appropriate cold weather skincare. Here’s a rundown of everything a gentleman braving the Alpine slopes will need;

- Defend by Zirh, a light, daily moisturiser with the added benefit of SPF15.

- Brave Soldier’s Lip Defender, prevents chapping, sunburn and windburn; vital when your hurtling down those black runs.

- And for men who often find themselves out in the cold, Hand Healer by Jack Black is the best in the business.

Post from: Gentry Style

No related posts.

As a sporting nation, we've always had many fingers in many pies (maybe, it can be asked, we spread ourselves too thinly?) and this weekend will once again demonstrate the high level of sporting participation in Britain. Gentry Style takes a look at what's on, where and when..

 
Wimbledon -

It's definitely the business end of this year's All England Club tournament, and the last two weeks have been an undoubted success. Fine weather, on court excitement and the smooth introduction of the new roof, now all we need is a bit of British glory. As well all know now, Andy Murray is on the cusp of greatness but whether he reaches the pinnacle of grass court tennis on Sunday or not, we should remember he's a damn fine player who will surely claim grand slam glory sooner or later. Saturday sees the Williams sisters going head ot head once more, and while these ladies deserve the utmost credit for their consistency and powerful play, it's getting a tad boring isn't it?

Rugby Union - 

The British Lions face South Africa for the final time on Saturday, and although the overall result of the test series has already been decided, there has been such hostility and competitiveness in the previous two matches that this final game is guaranteed to be an absolute battle. The Lions will be looking to regain some pride and avoid a whitewash, while the South Africans will feel that their combatitive approach has been harshly criticised by a British team who hasn't taken losing too well.

Tour de France -

The Tour de France begins this Saturday with the 'Grand start' – a 15k time trial – taking place in Monaco. British interest will be focussed on Mark Cavendish, who has admitted it is impossible for him to win the whole tour, but his aim is to win all the sprint stages and confirm his position as the world's fastest and most explosive cyclist. Elsehwere there is the small matter of bonafide sporting legend, Lance Armstrong, making his long awaited return to the Tour de France, after a retiring in 2005. The french public love to hate him, and there will always be naysayers who question the integrity of his drug test record, but for it's hard to argue with his awesome winning ability, indomitable character and tireless charity work. He's won it seven times, is number eight possible?
голова болит секс голова болит секс
The Ashes - 

Okay, England's most important cricket series doesn't get underway until next Wednesday, but the build up is in full swing. The Australian team appears significantly weakened when compared to the side that trounced us back in 2007/2008, so there will certainly be a high level of optimisim that the Ashes will be coming home, but such is the inconsistency and seemingly frail mentality of this talented England side that anything could happen really.

If participation is more your thing, the weather in London will be a little cooler this weekend, with the sun still making a meaningful appearance – the perfect conditions for engaging in some amateur sporting activities.

By James Mumberson

Post from: Gentry Style

No related posts.

 
With mega-money moves, the whimsical sacking of managers and wages spiralling out of control, Gentry explores whether or not this really is the death of English footall…

It has been pretty difficult, over the past few years and months, to have failed to notice a lurching shift in the power dynamic between players and management in the top tier of English football. Beneath a litany of acrimonious managerial departures has lain a concealed but no less obvious truth – namely, the deteriorating stock of the Premiership manager. The reasons that lie behind the constantly spinning wheel of appointments and departures are multitudinous, and the subsequent repercussions wide-ranging, from spiralling ticket prices to the gradual deterioration of a the “footballing day out” and perhaps the slightly less palpable, but no less worrying truth of a stifled new breed of reluctant managerial hopefuls. Has management, particularly at the top level of English football ever appeared less attractive?

It’s probably an important starting point to state that much of this concern stems from the ‘corporatisation’ of the Premier League, transforming it from a league that was essentially self-financing, existing as it did as a constituent of the Football League establishment. In February 1992, British media conglomerates must have been ogling the typical League One stadium with glee, faces gorged with the rapacious intent of individuals excited at the popularity of a sport with inherent potential as a lucrative revenue source. While poor attendances, hooliganism, decrepit stadiums and the resultant inability of clubs to provide adequate facilities marred English football in the 1980s, the 1990s saw a distinct reversal of the previous decade’s pervasive disaffection with the footballing spectacle. This in itself was triggered, in no small part, by England’s relative World Cup success, as well as UEFA’s lifting of an existing ban on English clubs from participating in European competitions.

The Hillsborough disaster further highlighted the fundamental structural and operational fissures at the core of English football. If a football match meant death, then nothing less than radical action was clearly required. Whilst this served to revive an ailing sport, the understandable conservatism that followed opened the sport to democratisation – with the financial strains that came with a forced policy of comprehensive renovation, football clubs perhaps realised that a new breed of spectator would have to be enticed into the stands. And so the Premier League was born, a machine whose operational capacity relied on the participation of football ‘consumers’, in addition to media revenues that are expected to propel total revenue to somewhere in the region of £1.8bn during the course of this season.

Premiership Managers: Courage Under Fire

So what does this mean for the manager? Firstly, the transient nature of the job itself has suppressed a manager’s natural proclivity for developing his own footballing philosophy. The financial implication of defeat, along with the potential to lose significant ground in the chase to stay in the upper reaches of the division, has robbed football of its usual patchwork of identities. Results need to be delivered, by any means necessary; style is a footnote that has become less compelling than the instant gratification of victory and success achieved in the most short-term of conditions.

As Roy Keane has discovered to his misfortune, a manager that forges a personality built on the unwavering courage of his own convictions, in a manner that is obdurate, unforgiving and occasionally, not without a smattering of outright vehement contempt, can unsettle team spirit to the point of no return. When players speak, managers listen – mutiny in a climate where players exhibit ever-shifting allegiances and have the power to demand exorbitant wages, makes this a maxim that needs, at all costs, to be heeded. But management is a tricky skill to master, for it is dependent not only on natural ability, but appointment under the right conditions, with a manager operating under a vision reciprocated by all those who share roles as potential instigators of development and progression at a football club. Managerial reputations can often be misguided indicators of a manager’s natural fit, particularly when resources and a football club’s structural strength are commensurate with the level of on-the-field success. 

The Death of English Football?

How therefore, is it possible to safeguard a passage of emerging managerial talent, in a job that Tony Adams recently described as ‘brutal’? The answers to that question are difficult to decipher; the Premier League remains chained at the whim and fancy of profiteering media conglomerates, who have long regarded sport as a business initiative that has yet to reach its natural conclusion. However, recent rumours of Gianluigi Buffon being offered £220,000 a week in wages to move to Eastlands – not to mention the royal £500,000 they've waved infront of Ricky Kaka's eyes – must surely underline the patent legitimacy of implementing a salary cap structure at Premier League level.

The NFL has operated under such a structure since 1994, and its introduction in the Premier League would preserve the integrity of a sport under which ticket costs, diminishing player loyalty, an adverse economic environment and a discernable eagerness to eradicate football’s primal spirit, may be sources of increasing abhorrence in the eyes of grassroots supporters. Michel Platini is one of the few that embodies the desire to help release football from the vice-like clutches of business, embodying a spirit that seeks to re-establish football as an arena within which to admire the indescribable beauty of human sporting endeavour and achievement. We call football the beautiful game, but if we don’t act soon, it could turn ugly.

Matt Kendall

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. Under the Hand of God: Maradona the Manager
2. Gentry Essentials: The English Brogue
3. Top 5: Future footballing greats

This Spring, kit yourself out with a classic cricket jumper and smash a six for style…

The weather seems to have turned decidedly summery of late. The twittering birds and blue skies have left us looking forward to the warmer months. Naturally, our attention has also turned to what we will be wearing. ‘Old English’ style is back in big way. And what is more old English than Sunday afternoons spent lazily watching a game of cricket, quaffing Pimms and scoffing a Victoria sponge or two? Designers have clung to this ideal with relish and Cricket-style is in. You don’t need to look further than Paul Smith’s beautifully designer cricket ball to see what we mean!

Ralph Lauren offer up some great pieces of cricket-style. This cable-knit cotton vest is a great Spring staple. Keep the look neutral and fresh with all white apparel to accompany it, or add a splash of the preppy-chic that will also be hitting the high streets this spring. If you’re feeling daring, thick rimmed glasses, patterned shirt and snazzy bow-tie will look wonderful.

For that extra vintage look – more Grace than Botham – Ralph Lauren also offer this stunning cricket jacket. It’s great for any layered look and offers the wearer a real air of sophistication and privilege.  If you’re after jumper that shows off the cricket-chic and white isn’t your colour, this Polo crested V-neck is for you . Subtly, it keeps the grace of the vintage English style without the being too daring.

For the classic cricket jumper, shop around for some vintage Lacoste pieces. For that ‘straight-off-the-village-green look’, check this out . But if you’re after a real bargain, look no further than Hackett London.

This merino cashmere jumper, freshly reduced, is a great addition to any wardrobe and ideal for someone looking to experiment with the cricket theme.

Happy shopping and we hope you feel inspired by our cricket style.

Oliver Bewers 

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. 007 style: How to dress like James Bond
2. Tennis Thighs Are Back
3. Sneaker Freaks: The best trainers for Spring 2009…

The Giro (May 9th-31st) is a striking, torturous but beautiful sporting jamboree that first hit the road in 1909, inspired by the raging success of the Tour de France. Along with the French competition and the World Cycling Championship, the Giro sets off the Triple Crown of Cycling. Only two cyclists have ever won the crown, Eddie Merckx (1974) and Stephen Roche (1987)… a accomplishment almost impossible to imagine today.

Setting off in Venice and screeching to a halt in Rome, in its centenary year The Giro will clock up a leg noodling 2147 miles over 21 arduous stages. Favourites to dominate the notoriously punishing route are the American Levi Leipheimer and the Italian veteran (and 2006 winner) Ivan Basso.

Unlike the Tour De France, the stage winners of the Giro get to wear the famous pink jersey (maglia rosa)… a rather fetching hue inspired by the sponsors (the pink inked La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Of course, this year much attention will be drawn to Lance Armstrong, still in the early stages of his remarkable comeback from retirement. 2nd placed at the recent Tour of Gila (Mexico), Armstrong has played down his chances of winning the competition (having never won it before) but expects he may win a few stages along the way. Don't be surprised if this supreme athlete pulls of a shock victory.
 
One great thing about the Giro is the chance for keen cyclists to plot out routes of their own

along the gorgeous Italian countryside.

This year, after attacking the alps, it snakes along the coast, through Tuscany and wending down as far as Naples before sharply cutting back to Rome. To cover that distance, with that scenery, stopping off at some of the most underrated cities and towns in Europe (Bologna, Arenzano, Avellino) is every pedal pusher's dream. 

And keep an eye out for the latest Giro fashion, bikes and streamlined cyclewear… no doubt these state-of-the-art gear and accessories will hit the shops next summer. But if you can't wait till then, here's a very swish fashion range inspired by the Giro itself… enjoy.

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. Britain’s Got Sporting Talent

Those clever chaps over at at Soccerlens have put together what they believe to be the all-time best Premiership 11. Here are their — for the most part — astute picks… 

1. Peter Schmeichel
2. Gary Neville
3. Ashley Cole
4. Tony Adams
5. Rio Ferdinand
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
11. Ryan Giggs
6. Patrick Veiria
8. Gianfranco Zola
10. Ruud Van Nistlerooy
9. Alan Shearer

Now, a fine team this might be but it’s a punishing (soul- crushing) thought to have to include Ashley Cole in the line-up.

There are also some glaring omissions, the biggest two of which must surely be Berkamp and Cantona. Both Ice Cold Dennis and King Eric had the ability to turn a game on a whim. We’re talking about players who could inspire a move, not just finish it.

Shearer probably earns his place more so than Ruud van Nistlerooy, having won the Premiership title with a duff team (Blackburn Rovers). But who can really stand the man?

And if he wasn’t paired with either Berkamp or Cantona, surely Matt le Tissier deserves a shout. Quite possibly the scorer of all five of the Prem’s best ever goals, Fat Matt deserves recognition for distinguishing himself in a team often scrapping around the skanky end of the league.

But no room for Beckham or Roy Keane? It can be argued that Beckham’s place has been justifiably swiped by Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronnie is a phenomenon, whether you can stand his gobbling turkey neck or not. But Vieira over Roy Keane? That’s pure insanity! Roy Keane was the centre of the best performing, highest achieving English team of all-time. In particular, his second half performance against Juventus in Turin is THE outstanding game by any British player away from home. Keane in, Vieira out.

Below is Gentry’s all-time Premiership XI. See what you think…

1. Peter Schmeichel
2. Gary Neville
3. Tony Adams
4. Jamie Carragher
5. Patrice Evra
6. Roy Keane
7. Ryan Giggs
8. Stevie Gerrard
9. Eric Cantona
10. Dennis Berkamp
11. Gianfranco Zola

Agree, disagree? Let us know any of your own all-time Premiership XI….Tell us how wrong we are!

Post from: Gentry Style

No related posts.

It’s been a perfect match… whizzing into town just in time for Milan Fashion Week, parading his waxwork wife around, slipping in and out of the right restaurants at the right time… Signor Beckham was always going to make the right impression in the most fashionable of cities.

However, something interesting has happened, something far more remarkable – Beckham has been a sensation on the field as well as off it. In fact, he’s already delivered Milan a much needed 6 points and has revived the rossoneri’s dreams of the scudetto.

Against Lazio on Feb 1st,  Beckham was denied a hat-trick of assists by an incorrect offside flag. Nevertheless, his two immaculate passes propelled Milan past Juventus, into second place… their highest position this season. No other midfield in the world can boast the sheer class of AC Milan: Pirlo , Seedorf, Kaka, Beckham, Ronaldinho, Ambrosini and Gattuso have everything a coach could ever need to mount a serious challenge. Pirlo, Seedorf and Beckham in particular pass the ball with consummate ease and almost always enough disguise to unsettle their opponents.

Beckham has slipped into the starting line-up as if he was always there. Welcomed with open arms by stalwarts such as Maldini and Kaka, Beckham has grasped an opportunity tcreated by his own iconic status. Make no mistake, Milan were not lining up any other 33 year-old has-beens plying their trade in the MLS. What was intended to be a marketing exercise has evolved into the meeting of two forces – the resting giant, Milan and the re-emergent talent, Beckham – at the optimum time.

The union has been elegant and respectful, brimming with a restrained homo-eroticism that seems to spill over now and then. Beckham talks of the “ecstasy” he feels wandering around the trophy room and Milan coo over the England player’s “remarkable body” and “intelligent ethics” (whatever they might be…”). The rhapsodizing has been as eloquent as it is diabolically pointed. Here’s a statement from Milan's schemer-in-chief Adriano Galliano:

“We are very keen to keep him and will keep our hopes of doing so alive until the very last minute…We thought he would do well, but not as well as this. To lose him would be ugly, so we’ll make whatever effort and attempt to keep him…Then the Milan fans will have a big party when Beckham stays…”

Milan are unashamedly trying to finagle a deal to swipe Beckham from LA Galaxy. Rumours of get-out-clauses and last-minute annexes emerge each day. They aren’t just wooing him, they’re sexually molesting him before the world’s press. To cap it all, he’s been named in Milan’s UEFA cup squad!

Whether or not Beckham ultimately has the guts to sacrifice the battering his name will take in the world’s most lucrative market-place – America – and accept that he made a gross area in tying himself in with the debacle of “soccerball” remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, Fabio Capello (who introduced the sweethearts to one another) believes Beckham will almost certainly play some part in the 2010 World Cup if he remains in Italy. Beckham’s sheer talent and unbridled ambition have forced the stoic Italian to reverse his opinion during their fractious time at Madrid together.

Capello respects Beckham immensely for this and there is no obvious replacement for him on England’s right wing. Shaun Wright-Philips has missed the boat, it turns out that David Bentley just isn’t very good and Aaron Lennon seems to be magnetically attracted to the advertising hoardings — scuttling off the pitch time and time again like a broken robot.  

England’s best bet is to split the responsibilities between the consummate Beckham and the youthful Walcott. Why make the position exclusive? Playing these talented two when appropriate seems the best of all possibilities.

Whatever happens in the months ahead, we’ll be watching. Our guess is that Beckham will ultimately not have the balls (golden or otherwise) to break his contract.

Post from: Gentry Style

Related posts:

1. Beckham loves Milan
2. Swimwear We Love